Philosophy Essay 1 PDF

‭Hade Lopez-Xirum‬ ‭Word Count: 919‬ ‭Professor Martin‬ ‭Intro to Political Theory‬ ‭Sep. 19 2024‬ ‭Gender Equality and Merit: Cornerstones of Plato’s Just Society‬ ‭Plato's vision presents a just societ...

‭Hade Lopez-Xirum‬ ‭Word Count: 919‬ ‭Professor Martin‬ ‭Intro to Political Theory‬ ‭Sep. 19 2024‬ ‭Gender Equality and Merit: Cornerstones of Plato’s Just Society‬ ‭Plato's vision presents a just society centered on gender equality and merit-based‬ ‭recognition. His model, despite its flaws, is strengthened by controversial elements like‬ ‭eliminating the concept of traditional family units and censorship. These components, often‬ ‭misunderstood, serve to reinforce rather than undermine the core principles of Plato's ideal state.‬ ‭To modern-day readers, adding gender equality to a just society is a given. However,‬ ‭during Plato's time this idea was revolutionary. So, why is gender equality important? Plato asks,‬ ‭"Is there anything better for a city than having the best possible men and women as its‬ ‭citizens?"(456e). Without equal access to education half of the population isn’t able to actively‬ ‭contribute to their state. Picture, half of the brightest minds and most skilled individuals unable‬ ‭to become doctors, engineers, artists, or musicians. Imagine all the innovation and progress that‬ ‭is lost. Plato recognized that all humans have the ability to reason, learn, and contribute to their‬ ‭communities. While Plato created a just society rooted around gender equality, critics of Plato‬ ‭refer to elements such as dissolving the traditional family unit as cruel, unjust, and disregarding‬ ‭human nature. Plato states, "That all these women are to belong in common to all the men, that‬ ‭none are to live privately with a man, and that all the children, too, and to be possessed in‬ ‭common…"(457d). Tearing apart newborns from the arms of a mother is definitely not on the‬ ‭agenda for most when visualizing a just society. While this may seem contrary to human nature,‬ ‭it aims to eliminate nepotism and private interests for the good of the state. This ensures equal‬ ‭opportunity within the silver class. Moreover, by creating one large family instead of individual‬ ‭family units everyone would be concerned with what is best for the state itself. Essentially,‬ ‭everyone is living to create the best state possible. In turn what is good for the state is good for‬ ‭the individual. Additionally, eliminating traditional family units frees women from the traditional‬ ‭role of being solely responsible for childcare. In this system, all men and women share‬ ‭responsibility for the children under their care, allowing women to pursue other interests‬ ‭therefore reaffirming the idea of gender equality in this society.‬ ‭Another crucial aspect of Plato's just society is that the most qualified individuals,‬ ‭philosophers, are chosen to become rulers. This is implemented in order to ensure that these‬ ‭positions are filled by those best suited to serve the common good and not by those who seek‬ ‭personal gain or recognition. Consider a typical high school class president election in which two‬ ‭popular students, Alex and Jordan, compete for the position. They create posters, make‬ ‭promises, and chat up students to gain votes. However, their primary reasons for running are to‬ ‭boost their college applications and gain social status. Meanwhile, Taylor, an introverted but‬ ‭highly capable student with innovative ideas for improving the school, doesn't even consider‬ ‭running. Taylor's potential contributions go unnoticed and unheard while the election becomes a‬ ‭popularity contest between Alex and Jordan. Is this not how large-scale elections tend to play‬ ‭out? Where qualities such as charisma and campaign skills overshadow actual qualifications and‬ ‭genuine interest in public service. This is why in a just state philosophers should rule since these‬ ‭are the individuals who will seek truth and possess the wisdom to govern effectively, rather than‬ ‭those who excel at campaigning. These are the people who are best positioned to advance and‬ ‭lead the state.‬  ‭On the other hand, by advocating for censorship in his ideal society, Plato undermines its‬ ‭claim to being just by limiting people's ability to learn and grow intellectually. This component‬ ‭raises questions about the integrity of the education provided by the state. It seems inconsistent‬ ‭that a society aiming to produce knowledgeable, truth-seeking philosophers would limit access to‬ ‭ideas and information. How can individuals develop critical thinking skills and pursue true‬ ‭wisdom if they are not exposed to a diverse range of thoughts and expressions? Plato asks, "Then‬ ‭shall we carelessly allow the children to hear any old stories, told by just anyone, and to take‬ ‭beliefs into their souls that are for the most part opposite to the ones we think they should hold‬ ‭when they are grown up?" (377b). Censorship is not implemented to stop progress or limit the‬ ‭intellectual growth of citizens but to foster just minds and morals—to create virtuous individuals‬ ‭who can positively contribute to this society. Additionally, implementing censorship reduces‬ ‭societal complications, ultimately minimizing conflicts. This includes preventing rifts between‬ ‭citizens in the state that could lead to violence or, worse, civil war. This serves to fortify the‬ ‭ultimate purpose of this hypothetical society, which is to be a long-lasting utopia of harmony,‬ ‭peace, and, most importantly, justice.‬ ‭In conclusion, Plato's hypothetical society is, in fact, just. In order to achieve this utopia,‬ ‭Plato lays a foundation centered on gender equality and merit-based governance. Despite‬ ‭controversial concepts such as eliminating traditional family units and implementing censorship,‬ ‭these elements serve to reinforce the core principles of the state. It is crucial for us to explore‬ ‭ideas of a just society in order to examine our own. There is no such thing as a flawless society,‬ ‭and while we may never agree as to what makes one just, by discussing it we strive to approach‬ ‭the idea of one as closely as possible.‬